Helen Sykes is one of the authors on the Chapter 35 – Fiji: Coastal and Marine Ecosystems in World Seas: An Environmental Evaluation – Second Edition, Volume Two.

World Seas: An Environmental Evaluation

2nd Edition

Volume II: The Indian Ocean to the Pacific

Mangubhai S, Sykes H, Lovell E, Brodie G, Jupiter S, Lal R, Lee S, Loganimoce EM, Morris C, Nand Y, Qauqau I, Rashni B (2018) Fiji: Coastal and marine ecosystems. In C. Sheppard (ed.) World Seas.: An Environmental Evaluation Volume II: The Indian Ocean to the Pacific. Elsevier, Oxford.
ISBN 9780081008539

The Indian Ocean to the Pacific provides a comprehensive review of the environmental condition of the seas from the Indian Ocean to the Pacific.

Each chapter in World Seas: An Environmental Evaluation – Second Edition, Volume Two is written by experts in the field who provide historical overviews in environmental terms, current environmental status, major problems arising from human use, informed comments on major trends, problems and successes, and recommendations for the future.

The book is an invaluable worldwide reference source for students and researchers who are concerned with marine environmental science, fisheries, oceanography and engineering and coastal zone development.

Chapter 35 – Fiji: Coastal and Marine Ecosystems

Sangeeta Mangubhai^?Helen Sykes^† Edward Lovell^‡ Gilianne Brodie^‡ Stacy Jupiter^?Cherie Morris^‡StevenLee^§ Epeli M. Loganimoce^? Bindiya Rashni^¶ Ronal Lal^‡Yashika Nand^?Ingrid Qauqau^?^?

Wildlife Conservation Society, Suva, Fiji^†
Marine Ecology Consulting, Lami, Fiji^‡
University of the South Pacific, Suva, Fiji^§
Consultant, 8 Naqumu Road, Lami, Fiji
NatureFiji-MareqetiViti, Suva, Fiji

Fiji is one of the most developed of the Pacific Island economies and its people are highly dependent on the country’s rich biodiversity and natural resources for food, agriculture, tourism, culture, coastal protection, shelter, recreational sports, and other vital human needs.

The country has undergone rapid changes in growth and development and the coastal ecosystems are increasingly threatened by a number of anthropogenic activities (e.g., overharvesting and overexploitation of land and sea resources, mining, coastal development) and their associated impacts (e.g., sedimentation, eutrophication, and pollution).

At the same time, Fiji is vulnerable to natural disasters such as tropical cyclones and the impacts of climate change.

These threats are resulting in losses in coastal habitats with a loss of 5% of mangroves from 1991 to 2007, particularly around urban areas. Fiji’s coral reefs, which have demonstrated considerable resilience to coral bleaching, are vulnerable to crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks, damage from cyclones, and coastal development.

Seagrass habitats are critical nursery areas for fish and feeding areas for migratory turtles, but are poorly documented and threatened by coastal development.

A Category 5 cyclone in 2016 caused loss and damage across all sectors including infrastructure, agricultural systems, and coastal ecosystems in the order of US$945 million.

However, there are significant efforts to protect and restore habitats and fisheries through inshore locally managed marine areas connected to larger, deeper water marine managed areas, as well as an expansion in integrated coastal management efforts.

Sustainable use and practical management of coastal resources are urged while there is still a chance of ecosystem repair and restoration.

Outline

Abstract
Keywords
Acknowledgments
35.1. Introduction
35.2. Climate and Oceanography
35.3. Coastal and Marine Habitats and Ecosystems
35.4. Threatened and Protected Species
35.5. Resource Use and Threats to Coastal and Marine Ecosystems
35.6. Climate Change and Natural Disasters
35.7. Management and Protective Measures
35.8. Future Projections for Fiji
References
Further Reading

Show full outline

Download Fiji Chapter here

Key Features of World Seas: An Environmental Evaluation – Second Edition, Volume Two

Covers regional issues that help countries find solutions to environmental decline that may have already developed elsewhere
Provides scientific reviews of regional issues, thus empowering managers and policymakers to make progress in under-resourced countries and regions
Includes comprehensive maps and updated statistics in each region covered

Readership

Professionals and students interested in marine science, environmental science and climate change impact

Fiji: Coastal and Marine Ecosystems

Sangeeta Mangubhai, Helen Sykes, Edward Lovell, Gilianne Brodie, Stacy Jupiter, Cherie Morris, Steven Lee, Epeli M. Loganimoce, Bindiya Rashni, Ronal Lal, Yashika Nand, Ingrid Qauqau